Baba Bakala: Need to reduce urban-rural disparity

Manmeet Singh Gill

For the first time, Congress’ MLA Santokh Singh Bhalaipur would face difficulty in managing the intraparty competition, especially from Satinderjit Singh Chhajjalwadi, son of three-time MLA Ranjit Singh Chajjalwadi, as he has already made his intentions clear to the party high command.

In a recent party meeting, many sarpanches from the constituency made it clear that they would support Satinderjit instead of Santokh. Their major grudge being that the MLA had got FIRs registered against many local leaders.

The constituency faces several problems, but unbalanced development in towns and rural areas bothers locals the most. Being a rural constituency, emotive issues such as sacrilege and farm laws are major considerations for voters here.

Locals’ key demands

• Better facilities at hospital
• Proper sewerage system
• Better infrastructure at courts
• Improved road connectivity

Past trend

For a decade starting 2007, Baba Bakala was a SAD citadel. First, it was represented by Manjinder Kang and later he was replaced by Manjit Manna. However, Santokh Singh, a first-timer, emerged a dark horse in 2017 as he won riding on Capt Amarinder wave.

Electorate strength

Total voters: 1,94,772

Male: 1,05,711

Female: 89,050

Third gender: 11